Malicious Damage Act, 1861

Destroying or damaging trees, shrubs, &c. to the value of more than 5l. growing elsewhere than in a pleasure ground, &c.

21. Whosoever shall unlawfully and maliciously cut, break, bark, root up, or otherwise destroy or damage the whole or any part of any tree, sapling, or shrub, or any underwood, growing elsewhere than in any park, pleasure ground, garden, orchard, or avenue, or in any ground adjoining to or belonging to any dwelling house (in case the amount of injury done shall exceed the sum of five pounds) shall be guilty of felony, and being convicted thereof shall be liable, at the discretion of the court, to be kept in penal servitude . . . or to be imprisoned . . . and, if a male under the age of sixteen years, with or without whipping.